ALAN BAMBER has been appointed a director of Huddersfield Giants and immediately set his sights on raising the club's salary cap for 2004.

ALAN BAMBER has been appointed a director of Huddersfield Giants and immediately set his sights on raising the club's salary cap for 2004.

The popular 57-year-old Manchester businessman has been an associate director of the club for 10 years.

But he has been invited to take the step up by chairman Ken Davy to give the McAlpine board extra drive and enthusiasm.

And Bamber has celebrated his news by launching a `Giants Squadbuilder' scheme, with the aim of raising extra cash to bring in new players.

Bamber admits it's not going to be easy, but he is determined to make the scheme a major success.

"Having now attended my first board meeting and seen the figures that we're working to, there's no doubt new coach Jon Sharp and chief executive Ralph Rimmer have allocated the resources very wisely," said Bamber.

"I believe the public of Huddersfield can look forward to some exciting times when we reveal our 2004 squad.

"But the squad was put together before my involvement, and I believe that with my investment and the support of the fans from Huddersfield we will be able to give Jon a further option and let him go for another player.

"Ralph and a fans' representative will be the account's trustees, with the sole intention of handing over a cheque to the club to enable a further first-grade signing to be made.

"I would appeal to all fans to contribute whatever they can by phoning or calling the club's office, while I'll contact as many businesses and interested parties as possible to raise necessary funds.

"We can't hide from the salary cap, but I believe with my enthusiasm I can make the difference with the support of the fans and that there's no-one better than Jon Sharp to attract the right calibre of player."

Meanwhile, Stanley Gene's operation to repair the fractured cheekbone suffered at Castleford last month has been a success and he has been back at training with the rest of the squad.

"Everything went well for Stanley and he's already looking forward to returning to action with us next season," reported Rimmer.